The Detroit Lions have hit by injuries over the course of training camp and two preseason games. Just during last Monday night's practice, three notable names (Jahmyr Gibbs, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw) left with injuries.
The news on Arnold and his upper body injury turned positive quickly, and the news about Gibbs and his hamstring issue has trended good. Rakestraw posted a positive injury update on social media.
On Tuesday, heading into the final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Dan Campbell offered an extensive injury update (h/t to SI.com).
Dan Campbell offers updates on injured Lions' players
Campbell talked about Gibbs, and some others.
“We’re gonna get, Gibbs, our plan is to get him going next week," Campbell said Tuesday. "He’s trending the right way. We’re hoping day after the Pittsburgh game, I think we’re gonna get a lot of guys back. (Dan) Skipper’s gonna be down with this ankle this week, but he’s been going all through camp but we’re shooting for Skip. We’re shooting for (Kevin) Zeitler, (Sam) LaPorta, (Jahmyr) Gibbs, (Malcolm Rodriguez) Rodrigo and I think we may start Reader up too, just start working him in individual."
"So we’re about to get a whole group of guys back, hopefully Sunday. And then they’ll get next week’s practice before we get ready for the Rams and then we do Rams practice. Gibbs falls into that boat, he’s trending the right way. Wish we had more practice with him, but as far as the health of it, he is healing and he’s on schedule to be back and get his legs back under him and we’ll see where he’s at.”
Reader, despite a rehab setback he revealed, may be close to coming off the PUP list-where he has been through all of training camp as he works his way back from a torn quad tendon.
Campbell also addressed the injuries in the Lions' cornerback room (h/t to Pride of Detroit), headlined by Arnold being in line to return to practice next week.
"Ennis (Rakestraw) will be back out there today (Tuesday),” Campbell said. “Carlton Davis will be limited today, Amik (Robertson) will be limited today, and (Terion) Arnold will not be back (today). I think there’s a chance we could get him middle of the week, next week—get in a practice before the guys go on their break. But, he is trending the right way, I’m not concerned.”
Campbell also had an update on rookie guard Christian Mahogany, who remains on the NFI list as he works his way back from an illness.
"He’s been down there with (director of sports performance) Mike Clark and (head strength and conditioning coach) Josh Schuler and those guys, just trying to get his legs back under him. Conditioning, strength level, and he’s trending the right way. I can’t give you a timetable but he’s doing well. It’s good to have him here.”
The Lions also placed linebacker Malik Jefferson and wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith on IR, while confirming the signing of linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe.
#Lions announce following transactions:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 20, 2024
- Placed LB Malik Jefferson and WR Tre’Quan Smith on Reserve/Injured
- Signed LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
So it's a lot of good news on the injury front for the Lions, as preparation for the first game that counts looms.